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Marblehead Little Theatre will stage its production of “A Few Good Men” from March 6-15, bringing Aaron Sorkin’s courtroom drama to the local stage in a story that examines duty, loyalty and the limits of obedience within the United States armed forces. Several cast members said the play’s questions about leadership and accountability feel especially resonant with contemporary audiences.
Produced by David Foye and Lisa Fama and directed by Billy Lewand, the play was written by Aaron Sorkin and is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French Inc. The story follows a team of military lawyers assigned to defend two Marines at Guantanamo Bay who are accused of killing a fellow Marine. As the trial unfolds, the defense probes whether the accused were acting under orders and whether responsibility reaches beyond the enlisted men to higher-ranking officers.
Ian Owens, who plays Judge Randolph, said he was drawn to the play’s themes of justice and institutional accountability.
“The message of it about justice and accountability,” Owens said.
He added that the story highlights “accountability from leadership” and forces characters to wrestle with how authority is exercised.
Owens said the military setting sharpens those questions.
“The military is a hierarchical organization. It's not the same as society,” he said.
“How far does it go for a person to question those orders.”
Jamil Johnson, who plays Private William Santiago and also appears in the ensemble, said he was unfamiliar with the story before auditioning.
“Well, I've never seen a movie, and I like the plot of it and seemed interesting,” Johnson said.
As rehearsals progressed, he said the material felt timely.
“It's very poignant to what how life is right now,” he said.
Johnson added that audiences see “a lot of stuff about the military and just like, how they do stuff, like court proceedings in, like, their own military basis.”
Adam Boisselle, who plays one of the lawyers, said the cast undertook basic military instruction to help ground the courtroom scenes in realism.
“It was three hours of like, being at attention and learning how to salute,” Boisselle said.
Greg Michigan, a retired Department of Labor employee who now works part time for Alaska Airlines, said he had seen the play previously and remembered a moment that stunned the audience.
“You know I remember when I saw the play,” Michigan said.
He recalled “that being a shock to everyone in the theater," adding performing in the production has been both exciting and demanding.
“Because I'm new to this, it's been a challenge,” he said.
Acting had long been an aspiration.
“It was always on my bucket list,” he said.
One of his lines underscores the gravity of the charges at the center of the trial.
“If this ever goes to court, those Marines wouldn't need a lawyer. They need a priest,” he said.
Rehearsals began in January, according to cast members. Performances are scheduled for Friday, March 6, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 2 p.m.; Friday, March 13, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 2 p.m. An opening night actor reception with cast and crew will follow the March 6 performance.
Tickets and additional information are available through Marblehead Little Theatre’s website: https://www.mltlive.com/a-few-good-men/.
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